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A contemporary remodelling of a 1970s woodland home near Newbury, opening the house to its forest setting through light-filled spaces, generous glazing and carefully designed landscaping.
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Reconnecting a Family Home with the Woodland
Set within 17 acres of mature woodland near Newbury, Forest House is the sensitive transformation of a 1970s lodge-style home. While the original house occupied an exceptional woodland setting, its inward-looking layout and limited glazing prevented it from fully engaging with the surrounding landscape.
The project reimagines the house for contemporary family living by opening up the interior, introducing generous natural light and strengthening the relationship between the home and the forest beyond.
Opening the House to the Landscape
A series of carefully considered extensions and internal alterations reorganise the ground floor around a bright, open-plan kitchen and family space. New glazing and enlarged openings frame views through the trees while drawing daylight deep into the centre of the home.
The result is a sequence of calm, connected living spaces that feel immersed within the woodland, with every principal room benefiting from a stronger visual connection to nature.
Architecture and Landscape
The landscape has been redesigned alongside the house to create a collection of outdoor living spaces that extend everyday life into the garden. New terraces and a swimming pool are carefully positioned to enjoy long views through the woodland while creating sheltered spaces for entertaining and family life.
Together, the architecture and landscape create a seamless transition between inside and out.
Materiality
A restrained palette of timber, glazing and natural finishes complements the character of the existing lodge while sitting comfortably within its woodland setting.
Rather than competing with the landscape, the architecture provides a calm backdrop that allows the changing colours, textures and light of the forest to become the defining feature of the home.
Forest House demonstrates how thoughtful contemporary interventions can unlock the potential of an existing property, transforming a dark and inward-looking house into a light-filled family home that celebrates its remarkable setting.